Uncoated fluting paper market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

The Hungarian uncoated fluting paper market volume fluctuated between 138.8 тыс. т and 160.1 тыс. т from 2018 to 2021. After a slight dip in 2019, the market recovered in 2020 and reached a peak of 160.1 тыс. т in 2021. This growth coincided with rising global demand for fluting paper in the packaging industry, driven by the need for secondary packaging such as protective materials and e-commerce solutions.

From 2022 onward, market volume entered a downward trend, falling to 147.8 тыс. т in 2022, 134.8 тыс. т in 2023, and sharply to 94.5 тыс. т in 2024. During this period, the transposition of the EU Single Use Plastics Directive in Hungary by October 2022 began influencing packaging material preferences, encouraging a shift toward sustainable paper-based options. Regional trade dynamics, including imports from Serbia and Slovenia, also played a role in shaping supply and demand conditions.

In value terms, the market followed a similar pattern, peaking at $113.5 млн in 2021 before declining to $45.5 млн in 2024, reflecting both volume changes and price fluctuations in the uncoated paper sector.

Production uncoated fluting paper in Hungary

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

After two consecutive years of decline, Hungary's uncoated fluting paper production rebounded. In 2021, output reached 246.9 million US dollars, marking a sharp 60.3% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 6%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 2.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 154.0 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 26.9% drop.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Hungary's uncoated fluting paper production increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 450.5 thousand tonnes, showing a modest 6.4% rise year-over-year. From 2018 to 2021, production grew by 2.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.9%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 417.8 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 4.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports uncoated fluting paper from Hungary

Exports in kind, K t

Uncoated fluting paper exports from Hungary rose for the second consecutive year. In 2021, Hungary exported 377.7 thousand tonnes, representing a 7.5% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 5.5%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 1.8%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 345.2 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 3.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Austria, Poland, and Romania remained the primary buyers of uncoated fluting paper from Hungary. Austria accounted for 21.4% of exports in kind, Poland for 18.5%, and Romania for 15.5%. Together, these three countries formed 55.3% of Hungary's total exports in kind during this period.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, uncoated fluting paper exports from Hungary recovered. In 2021, exports reached 178.6 million US dollars, indicating a significant 60.2% increase over the previous year. However, from 2018 to 2021, overall exports decreased by 3.3%, which translates to an annualized decline of 1.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 111.5 million US dollars, while the largest drop occurred in 2019 with a 29.4% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Austria, Poland, and Romania formed the core of Hungary's uncoated fluting paper exports in value terms. Austria represented 21.4% of exports, Poland 18.3%, and Romania 16.0%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 55.6% of total export flows during this timeframe.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021

Imports uncoated fluting paper to Hungary

Imports in kind, K t

Uncoated fluting paper imports into Hungary increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, Hungary imported 87.3 thousand tonnes, which is 17.7% higher than in 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 33.4%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 10.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, three main markets—Germany, Austria, and Romania—together absorbed 74.6% of Hungary's total imports in kind of uncoated fluting paper.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of reduction, foreign supplies of uncoated fluting paper to Hungary surged. In 2021, imports amounted to 45.1 million US dollars, marking a sharp 65.9% increase compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 23.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 27.2 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 23.4% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Austria, and Romania accounted for the largest share of Hungary's uncoated fluting paper imports in value terms. Germany represented 29.5% of imports, Austria 29.3%, and Romania 13.8%. Together, these three countries comprised 72.5% of total import flows during this period.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021